6 Reasons You Should Move to Dayton, OH

Nathan Lambrecht

There are hundreds of reasons why people choose to live and work in the Miami Valley. The Dayton region offers so many amenities that appeal to different walks of life. 

In fact, enlisted service personnel at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, the largest single-site employer in Ohio, often have their choice of location as they reach retirement from enlisted service. Many of them choose to make Dayton their new home thanks to its myriad advantages. Here are six reasons why making a move to Dayton makes sense.

1. Land in an Ideal Location 

The Dayton region consists of 14 counties: Mercer, Darke, Preble, Butler, Auglaize, Shelby, Miami, Montgomery, Warren, Champaign, Clark, Greene, Clinton and Fayette. It is often referred to as the “Miami Valley” because of the location of all these counties within the Great Miami River watershed and the physical makeup of the landscape, carved from ancient glaciers. 

Residents benefit from the Dayton International Airport and access to Interstates 70, 71 and 75. 

Matt Meier is a transplant to the Miami Valley, having moved here because his partner’s family lives in the area. As the owner of marketing firm Ligature Creative, he says he gets the best of both worlds in Dayton.

“It’s quiet, and for the most part, the cost of living is good,” Meier says. “We’re close to a lot of other major cities, and people here are nice.”

2. Work Anywhere From Here

The option to work from home has granted many working professionals the ability to find a high-paying job they enjoy, and the Dayton region’s lower cost of living helps ensure one can find an affordable house or apartment from which to work. 

The Hub at the Arcade, presented by PNC Bank, serves as a coworking space as well as a launching pad for small business owners who aren’t quite ready to take on the financial burden of a lease. 

“I’m new to the region and being at The Hub allows me to connect with humans every day,” says Meier, whose office is based in Denver. “There’s a great energy there that helps keep me motivated.”

3. Thrive in an Innovative Ecosystem

As the home of the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, the spirit of innovation is still very much alive in the defense industry. In 2023, Dayton was asked to host the Department of Defense’s Ohio Mission Acceleration Center, which will bring stakeholders together to promote innovation.

The region’s thriving economy is often enough to keep transient talent like Carlos Cruz, who is sticking around after his military retirement to enjoy his second act. 

“There are many jobs in the area in my current career, with plenty of opportunity to expand and jump between industries,” he says.

4. Excel Here After Serving in the Military

If you move to Dayton, you’ll find great resources for veterans, including Blue Star Families of Dayton & Southwestern Ohio, Military & Family Readiness Center and the Dayton VA Medical Center. 

“Dayton offers an exceptional living and working environment,” says Dr. Geri Lynn Maples, chapter director with Blue Star Families of Dayton & Southwestern Ohio. “With numerous opportunities and a supportive team to guide your transition, it’s an ideal place to settle. Ohio ranks as the fifth-largest region for veterans, boasting over 800,000 who call it home.”

5. Enjoy the Great Outdoors

There’s a good reason advocates have branded Dayton as “The Outdoor Adventure Capital of the Midwest.” The region is home to the Miami Valley trail system, and covering 350 miles, it is the nation’s largest paved trail network. 

Waterways, like the Great Miami River, also offer opportunities for watersports, attracting kayakers and standup paddleboarders from around the state and beyond. 

6. Immerse Yourself in the Arts & Culture Scene

Just as the Dayton region is known for its smarts, it’s also known for its arts and entertainment. Comedian Dave Chappelle resides in Yellow Springs in Greene County and has purchased a former fire station there with plans to convert it to a restaurant and comedy club. His holding company also purchased a comedy club in the popular Oregon District entertainment area in downtown Dayton.

Downtown Dayton caters to people of all ages, including parents with children, who can take advantage of parks and the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery. The facility serves many educational purposes as a children’s museum, science and technology center, and zoo. 

Leslie Klenke, marketing director at the Entrepreneurs’ Center in Dayton, says she’s noticed a big difference in entertainment offerings since her return to the region. 

“There are a lot more wonderful shops, restaurants and breweries in the area,” she says.